Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at South Suburban College

South Suburban College keeps debt remarkably low—just $5,500 puts graduates in the 95th percentile nationally for this program, far below both the state median of $9,625 and the national median of nearly $15,000. The estimated first-year earnings of $43,000 based on comparable Illinois nursing programs create a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.13, meaning graduates would owe roughly six weeks of their annual salary. That's an unusually favorable financial starting point for a healthcare credential.

The earnings estimate, however, comes with significant uncertainty. While it aligns with the state median for practical nursing programs, the top performers in Illinois are reporting outcomes 30-50% higher—some exceeding $60,000. Whether South Suburban's graduates land closer to the state average or fall short is unknown from this data. The college serves a substantial Pell-eligible population (22%), which suggests strong access, but without program-specific outcomes, it's unclear whether graduates are connecting to the higher-paying LPN positions in the Chicago area market.

The minimal debt load is the program's clearest advantage. Even if earnings come in below the state average, borrowers face manageable repayment. For families prioritizing low financial risk in healthcare training, that matters more than potential upside. Just verify the program's NCLEX pass rates and employer relationships before enrolling—those factors will determine whether graduates access the stronger end of the LPN salary range.